Sheffield Designated Family Court

What family cases does Sheffield Designated Family Court deal with?

HM Courts and Tribunals Service lists this court for:

• Children cases, where parents or relatives ask the court to decide arrangements for a child, such as who they live with and when they see each parent. See how to apply for a child arrangements order without a solicitor and form C100.
• Divorce, dissolution and judicial separation. New divorce applications go to the central HMCTS divorce service, not to this court, but a local court can hear a divorce case that needs a judge, for example if it is disputed.
• Adoption, including applications by step-parents.
• Protection from domestic abuse: non-molestation orders and occupation orders, which have no court fee. Our directory of domestic abuse support lists free helplines.
• Forced marriage protection orders.
• Female genital mutilation (FGM) protection orders.

Do I need to go to Sheffield Designated Family Court for my divorce?

Usually not. Divorce applications in England and Wales go to the HMCTS divorce service, which deals with them online or by post at HMCTS Divorce and Dissolution Service, PO Box 13226, Harlow, CM20 9UG. Its helpline is 0300 303 0642, Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm (GOV.UK). Most undefended divorces finish without anyone going to a court building.

You're more likely to come to a local court if you ask a judge to decide arrangements for your children, or if you apply for protection from domestic abuse. Our step-by-step guide to divorce explains each stage.

How long are children cases taking here?

Children cases between parents or relatives in the South Yorkshire area took a median of 19.7 weeks from application to final order in April to June 2026, down from 22.9 weeks a year earlier. That is quicker than the median of 24.7 weeks across England and Wales. 62% of cases finished within 26 weeks. At the end of June 2026, 567 children cases were still open in the South Yorkshire area, and 6% of those had been open for more than a year.

Private law children cases finished in April to June 2026. Source: Ministry of Justice, Family Court Statistics Quarterly: April to June 2026, published 24 September 2026, "Children Act 26 Weeks" and "Open Caseload" data files.

Family courts are grouped into Designated Family Judge areas, each led by a senior family judge. The Ministry of Justice publishes waiting times for each area, and we've matched Sheffield Designated Family Court to the South Yorkshire area by its location. Cases can be moved between courts, so treat these as a guide to your area rather than to this building.

The Ministry of Justice doesn't publish waiting times by area for divorce or financial cases, because divorce applications are handled centrally. Our family court waiting times tracker has the national figures for every kind of case.

How do I contact Sheffield Designated Family Court?

These are the family contacts HM Courts and Tribunals Service publishes for this court. Have your case number ready if you have one.

Phone

• 0114 281 2522
  Enquiries
• 0114 251 2522
  Counter appointments
• 0300 123 5577
  Enquiries: For Enquiries and Counter Appointments

Email

• [email protected]
  Enquiries
• [email protected]
  Adoption

Opening hours

• Counter service by appointment only: Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm by prior appointment only, please contact enquiries to arrange.
• Court open: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

HM Courts and Tribunals Service warns that scammers are copying court phone numbers and email addresses to ask for payment. If you're not sure a call or email is genuine, don't pay anything, and report it to Action Fraud.

Accessibility and facilities

This is what HM Courts and Tribunals Service lists for the building. If you need an adjustment, such as a hearing loop, step-free access or a quiet room, contact the court before your hearing day.

• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network: Lanyards available on request.
• No parking: There are no parking facilities at this building, however paid off-site parking is available within 500 meters in the Galleries or Nelson Street.
• Disabled access: This building has a ramp to the building entrance, a lift between the ground floor and the first floor, and level access in to court rooms and hearing rooms.
• Hearing Loop: The building has a portable hearing enhancement system available by prior arrangement. Please contact the court by telephone or email to let us know of your requirements.
• Interview room: The court has interview room facilities
• Wireless network connection: This court has wireless Internet access available within the building.
• Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome.
• Video facilities: Court/hearing room video conferencing facilities and prison to court video link facilities are available (by prior arrangement)

No separate waiting room is listed. If you're worried about seeing your ex at court, tell the court in advance: you can ask for measures such as separate waiting areas, different arrival times or a screen in the courtroom.

Where can I get help with a case at this court?

If you're going to court without a lawyer, free guides from Advicenow and Citizens Advice explain what happens at each hearing. For children cases in England, Cafcass advises the court on what is best for your child. You can also ask a family solicitor for a single fixed-fee appointment to prepare, or try mediation before or alongside court.

Family solicitors and mediators near Sheffield

These professionals list an office in or near Sheffield. Labels show whether a listing is paid; most are listed from public information. How we make money.

See divorce solicitors in South Yorkshire, with local costs.